Residents Of Onitsha Decry Dumping Of Waste In Drainage System

Human activities have had an effect on the environment for thousands of years, especially in waste disposal.

In commercial cities, residents regularly dump refuse inside drainages which prevents free flow of water thus causing overflow.

A typical example is Akunnia Njote-Silas Works drainages, Onitsha which connects Ziks Avenue-Woliwo-Port Harcourt Road Sakamori where traders and some residents dump their refuse inside drainages and Sakamori.

ABS visited Akunnia Njote-Silas Works Road and observed that the drainages have been filled with refuse which causes flooding.

Speaking to the ABS, a resident of the area, Mr Onyeka Ogwatta said the Akunnia Njote drainage is twelve feet deep but has been filled with refuse as a result of the Sakamori which cannot contain flood anymore because it is covered with refuse thus pushing back flood to Akunnia Njote street.

Another resident of the area, Mr. Enoch Aleke recalled that the Woliwo Sakamori was constructed in 2013 which was a relief to the community saying that the Sakamori is filled to the brim that people now walk on it due to refuse traders from the surrounding Markets and those who deal on scrab beside the Sakamori dump inside it on daily basis.

On his part, Mr. Tochukwu Obodoakor, another resident, who pleaded for government’s intervention as dredging of Sakamori is capital intensive.

Some elders of Akunnia Njote street, Chiefs Felix Onwughalu, Vincent Ofordi and Prince Bennett Ezeadiri regretted the health hazard the bad attitude of people is causing them, which has also affected their economy.